BBC Sport Staff Fuming Over Redundancy Plans, Lineker's FIFA Deal Under Scrutiny

Strike action at BBC Sport is considered 'inevitable' amidst new redundancy plans, with staff expressing anger over proposed job cuts. Reports suggest that while numerous rank-and-file positions are at risk, senior leadership roles appear to be unaffected. A recent staff call announced the elimination of 41 roles, with five new positions being created as part of director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski's ongoing changes.

One insider described the situation as 'furious,' noting that the TV sports news department, in particular, will be 'decimated.' The sentiment among staff is that the leadership at the top remains untouched, fueling the expectation of industrial action. However, it has also been clarified that while no senior leadership roles are directly at risk, the management level itself is impacted, with the highest percentage of the 41 job losses coming from management positions.

Separately, Gary Lineker's past engagement with FIFA has come under scrutiny. Lineker recently stated on his podcast that he refused to work for FIFA after being asked to meet Vladimir Putin during the 2018 World Cup draw in Russia, and he compared current FIFA president Gianni Infantino to an oligarch. This statement contrasts with his production company, Goalhanger Films, securing a deal with FIFA+ in 2022. This deal involved Lineker interviewing fellow Golden Boot winners for a documentary streamed on FIFA's platform. An advertisement from last October promoted Lineker's interview with Thomas Muller on FIFA+. Insiders have disclosed that this deal was worth a substantial six-figure sum, though sources within Goalhanger claim the agreement was made 'some years ago.'

In other sports news, Manchester United received an unusual gift from their opponents, Sabah, during a Champions League fixture earlier this month. As is customary, executives from both clubs met, often involving an exchange of gifts. While signed shirts are common, Sabah presented United executives with a series of rugs, each embroidered with the date and details of the match. This gesture was reportedly a nod to Azerbaijan's tradition of producing hand-woven rugs and carpets.

Additionally, the English Football League (EFL) may be open to reconsidering the ban on alcohol consumption in stadium stands, a move supported by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Burnham has described the ban as 'discrimination' and suggested a trial for changes. Unlike clubs in the top five divisions of English football, other sports do not face similar restrictions. The EFL appears receptive to the prospect, with insiders suggesting that allowing fans to drink in view of the pitch could potentially reduce excessive drinking before games and alleviate congestion at turnstiles as fans might enter grounds earlier. The Premier League, however, has maintained a more cautious stance, with chief executive Richard Masters stating that while it is a topic for discussion, the league does not have a clear view on the matter.